Books: Iowa Melodrama

STRANGER'S RETURNPhil StongHarcourt, Brace ($2).
Only Iowans can properly judge how truly Author Stong's 14th novel* mirrors
Iowa life, but any hayseed can tell that Author Stong has seen some strongly
improbable cinemas. Author Stong, however, has plentifully seasoned this
fare with generous helpings of sardonic Iowa humor. Grandpa Storr, a
cross between Falstaff and King Lear, talked like Mark Twain in
unexpurgated mood. His language and actions were equally offensive to
his household, consisting of: his nephew's wife (wicked), his
stepdaughter (foolish), her husband (weak). They sat around like
jackals waiting...